While preparations are underway for Klaus and his immediate family to leave NOLA, Elijah can't bear to see Hayley depart without offering her some form of satisfaction. Taking it upon himself, he decides to fulfil her intent by hunting down and ruthlessly killing several more members of the Strix who were involved in Jackson's murder. Afterwards, he disposes of their bodies in a nearby dumpster and sets them aflame. Although he gets no pleasure from these killings, there is nothing he wouldn't do for the woman he loves. With determination, he crosses off all the remaining names on Hayley's revenge list.

##########

Back in the compound, Hayley's and Hope's baggage is ready. Freya gives instructions to the family's servant to load the baggage into the Grand Cherokee waiting in the garage.

Freya's heart sinks as she watches Hope play on the soft carpet, surrounded by her toys. "You know Aunty Freya will miss you so much," she says as she picks up the toddler, places a soft kiss on her little head, and gently puts her back on the playmat. Hope returns to chewing on the wooden knight while her giggles fill the room. Hayley sits on her favourite velvet couch, her eyes fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. She looks so sad and fragile. Freya moves closer, embracing her and running her fingers through her brown hair, offering comfort and reassurance that everything will eventually be alright.
At that moment, Hayley realizes how much she needs that warm hug and gives Freya a thankful look. "Klaus is about as warm and fuzzy as a cactus," she tells the blond witch, acknowledging the reality of their departure.

In response, Freya chuckles, "Hey, at least you can enjoy this one without any prickly consequences. Besides, you know there are always people who care for you here."
"Freya, can we just drop the whole discussion about Elijah?" Hayley asks in a pleading tone.

The blond witch offers an understanding smile: "We can always shift the focus to Klaus' love life. He's a blazing inferno of drama, no doubt about it."
"And what was that business earlier?" Hayley asks, "He barged into the nursery, shoved me out, and slammed the door shut."
"It seems like meeting Cami didn't quite go as planned for him," Freya remarks.
The two girls exchange knowing glances.
"Well, can you blame her?" Hayley retorts, "That girl must be out of her mind to even have feelings for that guy."
Freya silently nods in agreement. "We all tried to help Klaus see things from Camis' perspective, but he always seemed too stacked up to truly understand," says Freya.

"Let's be real here: Klaus has some questionable decision-making skills. I mean, seriously, what's the best way to scare off your new flame? Hayley mocks, "Oh, I know! Let's keep your psycho ex-girlfriend alive and kicking. Smooth move, Klaus. Smooth move."
"Well, well, well, caught in the act, aren't we?" A well-dressed Elijah quips, giving them a disapproving look. "Ladies, let's all agree that it's best to keep our noses out of other people's affairs."

"But I must say," he adds with his trademark regal wit, "it appears to be a simple matter, does it not? Camille was always the rational one in their relationship".

##########

In the art studio, some white sheets were thrown over a series of easels. The original hybrid was on the balcony, taking in the scenery of the French Quarter. The sky was already a dark blue with hints of purple and pink as the sun began to set. The music came to his ears from the streets down. It was a lively jazz tune, filling the air with its infectious rhythm. A mix of smells—freshly baked beignets, alone with chicory coffee, the sweet and floral magnolia trees, and the salty scent of the Mississippi River—wafted through the open windows as the city's energy pulsated. He was going to miss it so much. He took a large sip from his neat bourbon. Taking pleasure in the burning sensation as the woody, smoky flavour filled his mouth.

Her favourite drink... his favourite city... They had spent so many nights drinking together, recovering from another bloody Mikaelson drama, or sharing stories and laughter—just before the end of her shift at Rousseau's, or afterwards on the sofa of her small apartment, or other times in his study, when they usually had one of their talks.

The drink, the city—another reminder of her lingered in his thoughts.

Upon detecting Elijah's approach, he swiftly regained his composure and effortlessly wore a carefree smile, concealing the burden of his emotions.
"Spare me the melodrama of your longing for my presence, Elijah." With a sly grin, Klaus greeted his brother. "I am well aware that enlightening me with your endless lectures brings you immense joy. Nevertheless, I have faith in your ability to discover alternative means of amusement. Perhaps Marcellus or even Vincent could serve as a fulfilling pastime for you."

Despite the teasing and mockery, Elijah is not fooled by Klaus's farce. "You must know I will stop at nothing to ensure our family's reconnection," Elijah says.
Klaus turns to meet his brother's gaze. "I wouldn't expect anything less," he acknowledges in a calm voice.
"This isn't goodbye, Niklaus; I promise you that. I will fight for our family until my last breath," Elijah reassures.
Klaus nods in understanding, and just before his big brother steps outside the threshold, he calls him back. He speaks in a hushed tone, "Cami... do me a favour and keep an eye on her." Klaus looks down, feeling almost ashamed of his request.
"She is my friend as well, Niklaus," Elijah reminds him. "Rest assured, she will remain unharmed.
Klaus acknowledges Elijah's words with a grateful nod.

Elijah hesitates for a moment, unsure if he should voice his thoughts, but then firmly speaks: "Niklaus, I may not know the exact details of your encounter, but let me make one thing clear: that woman loves you. She saw beyond mere infatuation; she saw the real you, accepted you, and supported you like no one else. Whether, a vampire or not, that kind of love is eternal. And I believe that you love her in return." He utters carefully. "I should possess some knowledge on the subject myself." He confesses in a quiet voice. "Just give her time, and she will return to you." And with those words, Elijah leaves Klaus lost in his thoughts.

#########

Klaus walks down the stairs, carrying his leather luggage in hand, and heads towards the courtyard where Freya had performed Kol's spell. Elijah stands behind her and approaches Klaus as he nears them. The hybrid, maintaining a calm demeanour, asks, "Is it done?"

Freya confirms that it is, explaining that "now any witch who tries to locate Klaus will believe he is still in New Orleans."
Both brothers acknowledge Kol's skill in witchcraft. Klaus, amused, chuckles, "Drawing trouble is Kol's specialty." Nevertheless, he asks Elijah to thank this younger brother on his behalf.

Elijah, being the overprotective older brother, can't help himself and says, "Don't stop driving 'til you're absolutely certain that you are safe."

The hybrid expresses his understanding with a smile. "There's no need to remind me, brother, how precious my cargo is," he says, embracing Elijah warmly. Klaus then kisses Freya on the cheek and motions towards Elijah, requesting that she keep him in check. Freya nods in agreement, and Klaus departs from the entrance hall, holding his bag.

On the street, Hayley, with Hope in her arms, meets Klaus in the car. "I trust you've said your goodbyes," Klaus asks Hayley.

"Something like that," she replies in a detached voice. "Besides, there's nothing here for me anymore."
"Well, then... Perhaps we have more in common than we thought."
Klaus smiles at her before looking back at Hope, who is in a furry pink coat, buckled up into her car seat, and drives them away.